Akshay Kumar is nothing like the long-haired actor he was when he started his career. His looks, box office appeal and pay packet has hugely improved.

So when we asked director brothers Abbas-Mustan -- who gave Akshay his first hit with Khiladi -- whether they would pay Akki Rs 42 crore for a film, they did not see anything wrong with it.

"Akshay Kumar [Images] is a very hard working and dedicated actor. He reaches the shoot even before the scheduled time," Abbas says. "He works for 15 to 18 hours a day."

"It is because of his interest in his work that the producer saves a lot of money. If we plan a 20-day shoot, we finish work in 10 days. So there is nothing wrong in it. Akshay's presence is a big asset for any film," Mustan adds.

After Khiladi, Abbas-Mustan worked with Akshay in the 2004 hit, Aitraaz. Now, the brothers are planning another film with the star, who has been grateful to the directors for giving him a break in the film industry.

So will they pay Akshay the same kind of money? "We have a different rapport with Akshay. He will not charge us that much," Abbas replies.

Akshay's fee has skyrocketed since last year after he gave four consecutive hits with Namaste London [Images], Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhoolaiya and Welcome.